Felixstowe seafront attracts thousands of visitors annually but the town centre adjacent does not benefit as the prime connection, Bent Hill, is steep and heavily dominated by traffic.

This project is in two parts.  Firstly, to promote Bent Hill as the link between the town and seafront by creating a shared space scheme  by redesigning the road and pavement space and enhancing the area by the use of materials and street furniture.  While not preventing traffic from using the route, it will be discouraged by the new layout.  The scheme includes changing the junctions at either end of Convalescent Hill to encourage its use as the main traffic route as it has no residential properties fronting onto it.

Secondly, the removal of public toilets (replacements to be provided in the vicinity) from the triangle and the installation of a multi-purpose canopy to create a multi-functional public space.

Project Scope

The project will involve highway works resulting in environmental and public safety improvements; this in turn will improve contribute to the overall regeneration of Felixstowe's shopping area and improve the connectivity between the town centre and seafront.

Aims of the Project

To improve Felixstowe's main shopping area to give priority to pedestrians and to improve the overall public realm of Hamilton Road and to improve pedestrian and cyclist accessibility and links between the town centre and seafront via Bent Hill.

Outcomes of the Project

• Improvement of the environment of Hamilton Road for retail use will assist in the regeneration of Felixstowe's shopping centre. 
• Improved linkages between the town centre and seafront should see a greater overall spend in the Felixstowe economy.  This will encourage increased employment and help ensure the town's viability.
• Encouraging more pedestrian and cyclist use on the steep hill should lead to greater mobility for some people which should have a positive health effect.
• This scheme also links into the improvements to Hamilton Road.

Status

Funding for 2008/09 £40,00
Funding for 2008/09 (reallocated) £100,000

Funding for 2009/10 £200,000

Status as at 30 September 2008:

• Initial work started.

Status as at 31 December 2008:

• Topographical survey and utilities design work commenced.

Status as at 31 March 2009:

• Work well progressed with regard to diversion and/or protection work for utilities and project design.

Status as at 30 June 2009:

• Construction of Bent Hill crossing completed.
• Design work started on Convalescent Hill improvements.
• Public consultation prepared for first week in July 2009.

Status as at 30 September 2009:

• Public consultation in July 2010 on Bent Hill shared space completed.
• Agreement reached over use of some SCDC land as Highway.
• Completion of construction works at top of Convalescent Hill/Wolsey Gardens junction.
• Orders made for works to Convalescent Hill/Undercliff Road junction.

Status as at 31 December 2009:

• Construction of improvements to Convalescent Hill completed, including junction alterations at Undercliff Road and Wolsey Gardens, regrading of hill to allow use by buses and coaches and public realm improvements to the front of Felixstowe Town Hall.

Status as at 30 September 2010:

• Construction completed on Bent Hill and Undercliff Road.
• Snagging and other monitoring taking place.

 Suffolk County Council also have updates on this project on their website - click here to view the pages